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Australia, UN commits to supporting Tongan democracy

Updated
Mon Apr 22 20:19:42 EST 2013

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Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Brett Aldam (L), the Minister for Finance and National Planning Hon. Lisiate 'Aloveita' Akolo and UNDP Resident Representative Knut Ostby at the signing ceremony of the Tonga Governance Program.

UNDP.org

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has signed an agreement with Tonga to support governance and promote democracy in the Pacific nation.

The $US3.8 million program, funded by AusAID, will develop the skills of Tongan parliamentarians to improve lawmaking processes.

It will also strengthen the ability of the Electoral Commission to manage free and fair elections.

Australia's High Commissioner to Tonga, Brett Aldam, says the program builds on previous support provided by the Australian Government for Tonga's political reform process.

Tonga's Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon. Lisiate 'Aloveita 'Akolo, has thanked both Australia and the UNDP for their "continuous support", adding that the agreement is "very timely", with elections scheduled in 2014.

"But [it is] also very important to strengthen processes to ensure mutual accountability is observed," he said.

Knut Ostby, the UNDP's resident representative, has commended the government of Tonga for its commitment to strengthening its democratic governance institutions.

"More countries than ever before are working to strengthen democratic governance. Tonga is no exception," Mr Ostby said.

"Tonga's challenge is to develop institutions and processes that are responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, and that promote sustainable human development."

An inaugural program workshop, including Tongan government officials and civil society organisations, will be held in Nuku'alofa on Friday.